Stretching Out Breast Cancer Prophylaxis with Anastrozole?

Breast cancer risk reduction persisted through 12 years' follow-up, although a mortality benefit has yet to be seen.

A manufacturer-sponsored trial of the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole (1 mg daily) for breast cancer prophylaxis initiated in 2003 and involving 3864 high-risk menopausal women (mean baseline age, 59) showed that, compared with placebo, 5 years of anastrozole substantially reduced incidence of breast cancer (invasive and ductal carcinoma in situ); adverse events included fractures, arthralgias, vasomotor symptoms, and vaginal dryness (NEJM JW Womens Health Feb 2014 and Lancet 2014; 383:1041). To determine anastrozole's longer-term effects, the investigators have conducted an extended follow-up.

At a median follow-up of 131 months, the anastrozole group had an overall reduction in breast cancer incidence of 49% compared with placebo. This ris…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Stretching Out Breast Cancer Prophylaxis with Anastrozole?

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Reviewing Author